The problem is sentimentality... Fr. Paul Check

Fr. Paul Check

Fr. Paul Check writes the Introduction to Dan Mattson's book Why I Don't Call Myself Gay.  If the introduction could be made into a pamphlet, it would be great catechesis on Catholic teaching regarding SSA.  Everything about this new book is a treasure, a work to be pondered.  For those of you worried about Fr. Martin's book - let it go - read Dan Mattson's book first, and then respectfully respond to Fr. Martin if need be, or simply offer your witness to truth in love as the Holy Spirit inspires you.

What I'm reading so far is what I believe, even though at times I've not been able to express it very well - that is, put into words.  It's such a joy to have this confirmation and edification at this point in my journey.  Fr. Check traces the current permissiveness back to the sources of sexual revolution, artificial contraception, no fault divorce and so on.  (Not to pat myself on the back, but I've often pointed out the same thing.)  "The widespread use of contraception, including among Mass-going Catholics, has paved the way for the acceptance of same-sex unions."

Fr. Check goes on to explain the problem surrounding the approval of same sex sexual relations and unions in opposition to Catholic teaching on sexual ethics is related to sentimentality.  Sentimentality trumps compassion.  It is perhaps exactly what Fr. Martin's response is based upon.  That's a problem.  As Fr. Check explains:

The problem is sentimentality.  Sentimentality looks like compassion - there is a pleasing gentleness about it - but it lacks the truth that gives compassion its substance and strength. [...] Sentimentality grants permission for people to continue in sinful and self-destructive behavior because they feel it is 'right' for them.  It gives primacy to passions over reason and to emotions over the teaching of Christ and his Church, because we give too much weight to personal experience. - Fr. Check, Introduction, Why I Don't Call Myself Gay

And I would add, in other words, we give too much weight to feelings.  Fr. Check (and Dan Mattson) speak with compassion - without anger or contempt or peevishness.  This is truth in charity.  It is a joy to read.

Here's another interesting quote which I never heard before:

"Very soon it will not be possible to state that homosexuality, as the Catholic Church teaches, is an objective disorder in the structuring of human existence." - Cardinal Ratzinger, 2005